Ophthalmologist warned about the danger of cooling patches for vision

Cold eye patches, which are often used to relieve swelling, can cause a temporary drop in vision and vascular spasms. Khadizhat Suleymanova, a specialist at the Vision ophthalmological center, warned about this on Tuesday, September 16.

"Local exposure to cold causes vasoconstriction of the eyelid vessels and triggers a sympathetic reaction that can briefly alter ocular blood flow. In healthy people, this usually does not affect the quality of vision. But in patients with vascular disorders, migraines, or glaucoma, cooling can impair nutrition of the retina and optic nerve, reducing the sensitivity of the visual field," she explained in an interview "Газете.Ru ".

According to the expert, aromatic additives in patches, including menthol, are also dangerous. They can cause irritation and allergies.

At the same time, people with glaucoma, migraines, or vascular dysregulation are more likely to have various eye health-threatening consequences. The risks also increase if a person wears contact lenses — drying out and irritation can even lead to a evaporating form of dry eye.

"Cold compresses are acceptable for swelling, bruising and allergic itching. It is better to take them from the refrigerator, not from the freezer. Apply only through a thin cloth for 5-10 minutes. Take breaks of at least one to two hours. When using ice or chilled bags, use only a wet towel and no more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Any sensations of numbness, burning cold or pain are a reason to immediately stop the procedure," the specialist recommended.

At the same time, Suleymanova stressed that the reason for going to the hospital is long-term pain, photophobia, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, lacrimation with the inability to open the eyelids, persistent blurriness for more than a day, unilateral flashes or loss of field of vision.

Fundus: why hot weather negatively affects vision

Experts told us how to choose sunglasses and whether it is possible to swim in lenses.

Earlier, on August 24, Anna Klyueva, an ophthalmologist at the Centerplus medical clinic of the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, said: in order not to harm the eyes, it is necessary to read for no more than 20 minutes without a break. In addition, Klyueva stressed that people who work at close range from a computer or phone should use moisturizing eye drops to prevent dryness.

Prior to that, on August 9, ophthalmologist and CEO of VISTA Ophthalmology Center Anton Kazantsev shared useful habits for maintaining vision. He recommended using the technique of conscious blinking, especially when a person is at a desk at a monitor. Blinking slowly 10-15 times away from the monitor will help restore the eyes and prevent their dryness.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.